Hope Birdwell, a senior at Prague High School, recently served as a page at the Oklahoma House of Representatives for Rep. Jim Shaw, R-Chandler.
Every year, hundreds of juniors and seniors from across the state join in the House High School Page Program at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City. Participating students have the opportunity to view the legislative process up close and gain a deeper understanding of state government.
Birdwell, who is class valedictorian and a member of the Honor Roll, was previously named Junior of the Year and Sophomore of the Year. Additionally, she serves as president of Student Council, president of the Prague FFA, vice president of the National Honor Society and secretary of the Business Professionals of America.
She is the captain of the girls’ golf team, a member of the National FFA Choir and a member of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Teen Board, where she cochairs the elementary school education committee. Birdwell is also the currently reigning Prague Kolache Festival Queen.
Birdwell plans to attend the University of Oklahoma and major in criminology and pre-law. She hopes to become a family lawyer and make a difference in the lives of others.
“I was glad to host Hope as a page this year,” Shaw said. “She is relentlessly dedicated to serving her community, and she represented House District 32 well during her time at the Capitol. I look forward to seeing where her career takes her as she prepares to graduate this spring.”
Students accepted to the program are assigned to one week during the legislative session, which runs from the first Monday in February through the last Friday in May. They arrive on Sunday afternoon and serve Monday through Thursday in the House Chamber during daily sessions. Pages also assist representatives and staff with tasks and participate in the House Page Mock Legislature on the floor of the House Chamber.